Chapter 5 The Embarrassing Celebrity

"Lanny, can you scout for some qualified housekeepers who excel in cooking? I'd prefer someone with a certificate in nutrition," I said to Lanny from the backseat, eyeing the assortment of herbal supplements surrounding me.

"Absolutely, Ma'am," Lanny replied.

When Mathias and I tied the knot, our parents had advised us to employ some help for household chores like cleaning, gardening, and meal preparation. Blinded by my deep love for Mathias, I had turned down the suggestion.

In the intimate world that Mathias and I had created, any additional person seemed intrusive, an obstacle to the possible cozy moments stretching from our living room to the kitchen.

Regrettably, this choice only led to a life tinged with loneliness.

Since I'd been given another chance at life, there was no point in clinging to those illusory aspirations any longer.

When I got back home, I led the way, gripping the handle of my Prada bag. Lanny trailed behind me, balancing a bundle of supplements in his arms. Mathias was descending the staircase, absentmindedly adjusting his shirt cuffs. He looked captivating, as always.

"Lanny, you're dismissed for now," I said, setting down my bag.

With a respectful nod towards Mathias, Lanny placed the supplements on the table and made a hasty exit.

"There's a cocktail party in an hour. Your parents will be in attendance. Prepare yourself to join me," Mathias told me, his tone disinterested. He didn't even glance at the items I'd brought into the house.

He rarely ever took me along to social events, unless it was absolutely necessary-like when my parents were around.

I hadn't seen my parents since my second chance at life began. It was not a matter of disrespect, but rather the weight of past-life guilt that made facing them difficult.

"All right." Thereafter, I made my way upstairs.

Recently, I had been preoccupied with revamping my wardrobe, moving away from the dull and uninspired styles I used to wear.

For tonight, I selected a little off-shoulder red dress, featuring a daring V-neck veiled by a layer of sheer fabric. The fishtail hem revealed my long, lean legs.

Though I was on the slender side, my smooth skin and my height-over 5.5 feet-gave me enough confidence to feel good about my appearance, despite some minor flaws.

I had passed the age where Olivia's sort of innocence would suit me.

After applying makeup, I adorned myself with a set of crystal earrings and a coordinating necklace. Tonight, I planned to let my personality shine, setting aside my usual reserve.

Mathias was downstairs, engrossed in a phone call. He didn't acknowledge me as I descended the stairs, but I wasn't fazed. I proceeded to the car and waited for him there.

A few minutes later, he emerged and got into the car without even a sideways glance in my direction.

The drive to the venue was silent, and neither of us initiated a conversation.

He focused on the road, while I stayed busy on my phone, checking in on Phil through Line.

"Phil, if the hospital food isn't to your liking, I can arrange to send you some meals," I said to him.

"No need, really. The food here is fine," he answered.

"I forgot to pick up some nutrition supplements for you today. I'll bring them along when I visit you tomorrow," I said to Phil.

"You really don't have to go to such lengths!" Phil responded.

"It's not about being overly courteous. I'm the reason you're in this predicament. So please, feel free to let me know if you need anything."

Both Olivia and Phil came from modest backgrounds. To Olivia, Mathias was a handsome catch with deep pockets. In a similar vein, I could play the role of a wealthy, sophisticated woman in Phil's eyes.

The thought brought a certain balanced satisfaction that was hard to ignore.

The car halted at a red light. Mathias finally turned his head, a slight acknowledgement of my altered appearance today. All he said was, "That dress seems wasted on you."

It appeared that the dramatic transformations that astonished male leads in TV dramas didn't translate well to real life.

Setting my phone aside, I cupped my chest with my hand and quipped, "Really? Even though I wore my thickest padding today?"

My daring comment succeeded in darkening Mathias' expression. "Could you please mind your manners, Rylie?" he responded coldly.

"Why should I?" I shot back.

For years I had treaded carefully, but it had never done me any good. Those who had a brush with death often gained a more open perspective on life. Why confine oneself when it was far more liberating to express how you felt?

"Don't forget your place," Mathias retorted, his tone verging on harsh.

He might not treat me like a wife, but he expected me to act like one.

I turned my gaze to the scenery outside the window. I was not in the mood for conversation. In the past, whenever Mathias would speak to me, I'd be elated, always striving to keep the dialogue lively.

At the soiree, Mathias and I put on the facade of a happily married couple, engaging in light chitchat with a few familiar business acquaintances. Soon after, I found a solitary spot to sit.

As luck would have it, a young woman took the seat next to me. Upon closer look, wasn't she the very celebrity recently entangled in a scandal with Mathias?

"Ximena, why are you all by yourself?" Another woman strolled over to inquire.

"Just catching my breath. Zendaya, why don't you join me?" Ximena Gibson's voice had a melodious quality.

I realized Mathias had a penchant for women with dulcet voices. Olivia was much the same, as were others who had been romantically linked to him in the rumor mill.

Engrossed in their own world, the two women chatted beside me, seemingly oblivious to my presence.

"Isn't your Mr. Murray here tonight? Aren't you going to say hello?" Zendaya nudged Ximena playfully.

"Oh, cut it out. What do you mean 'my' Mr. Murray? The man is married," Ximena retorted, acting indignant.

"His wife is practically a ghost, you know? They say that you two have been pretty cozy lately. Did he buy you a house or something?" Zendaya's comment oozed with envy.

"Yes, he has been quite generous to me," Ximena subtly boasted. "I can't even fathom why he treats me so well. I consider myself fortunate to have crossed paths with him."

Mathias extended his generosity to everyone; except to me, his unseen wife.

Every woman whose name had been linked with his had only praise for him after their affairs ended. Such was the allure of wealth.

Just then, my parents approached, noticing me sitting alone. "Rylie, where's Mathias? Why isn't he accompanying you?" they inquired.

At the mention of Mathias' name, both Ximena and Zendaya spun around to scrutinize me. Their expressions must have been something to behold.

I rose to my feet, linked arms with my mom, and quipped, "Why bother hanging around him? He's just engrossed in business chatter with an assortment of people. Talking with you is far more pleasurable."

My mom glanced at me, visibly surprised. It had been years since I last showed her this kind of affection.

"You two catch up. I'll go mingle with some old friends," my dad declared, seemingly oblivious to my changed mood, as he cheerfully wandered off to find his buddies.